Apply to Graduate: There are three degree periods: November, February, and May. Students must apply to graduate through "My Program" on my.harvard.edu. Detailed instructions on how to apply can be found here. Please keep in mind that the deadlines to apply to graduate are typically 3+ months prior to the diploma award date. Deadlines for the current year can be found online on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Degree Calendar. When applying for the degree, students who choose not to receive their diploma at Commencement can pay for their diploma to be mailed to them or held for pick up at the Registrar’s Office.
Commencement: Students who apply for the November, February, and May degree periods may receive their diplomas at the Harvard Griffin GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony on Commencement Day in May. In April, the Commencement Office sends information about the Commencement Day schedule, tickets, and academic regalia to all recipients of November and February degrees and all applicants for May degrees. If students plan to attend Commencement in May, there is no need to pick up the diploma ahead of time, even if they applied for a November or February degree. More information can be found on the Commencement website.
Leaving Harvard: Below are several links to help navigate the process of leaving Harvard after graduation.